I am looking for a book that would help me start learning to hack. Here is my experience in programming:*I can already program in C, C++, and Java and have had a pretty decent college-level experience with them.*My java is slightly stronger than the others due to my experience with Android applications.*I have also learned some assembly and can read/write basic assembly code.*I do NOT know bash linux and know nothing about it, but I do know basic linux terminal commands (the very basics).*I am currently slowly picking up Python as well in order to learn a scripting language.*Also, I am just doing this as a hobby in order to become a better programmer

With that in mind, what would be the best book for me in order to start hacking? It's okay if the book reviews languages I already know. I just want a book that, if I read and do the exercises front to back, I will know the basics of hacking and would be able continue with more advanced hacking topics later.

The book recommended are all good but it really does depend what you mean by hacking if you looking at writing exploit then the book recommended would be good it your talking about a more rounded knowledge of hacking like attacking website or MITM attacks then I would say

I agree with Jamie.R, even if you have no intentions of doing the CCNA it is worth looking at the books or some of the training vid's on the net. While it might be VERY CISCO heavy it is a great foundation.